Clarke Central High School senior Patrick Allen (middle) receives his acceptance to the Georgia Institute of Technology with science department teacher Scott Swain and head varsity tennis coach Eliot Slane on Dec. 8, 2023. Allen was named the valedictorian for Clarke Central High School’s Class of 2024 on May 20. “After four years of hard work, I’m honored to receive this title. To all of the people that contributed to my success, I want to say a big thank you,” Allen said. “I couldn’t have done it on my own.” Photo by Aza Khan
The Clarke County School District released the valedictorian and salutatorian for CCHS on May 20.
The Clarke County School District officially announced the Clarke Central High School valedictorian and salutatorian in a May 20 press release.
CCHS senior Patrick Allen was named valedictorian. Allen’s academic achievements include the AP Scholar with Honor award, the UGA Merit Scholar award, and the Gregg W. Lewis Memorial Scholarship. Additionally, Allen is the STAR Student for CCHS and the entire Clarke County “system” of public and private schools and a UGA Foundation Fellowship and Stamps Scholar.
“I have come to know Patrick as someone who is hardworking, outgoing, caring, determined to reach his personal goals, and never fails to give his best effort,” CCHS school counselor Kanika Barnett-Jewell said. “I have truly enjoyed being a part of his high school journey culminating in this well-deserved honor. I know that a very bright future awaits him.”
Clarke Central High School senior Patrick Allen, Region 8-AAAAA boys varsity tennis player of the year, poses at the ODYSSEY Media Group’s Spring Media Day on March 14. Allen was named the CCHS valedictorian by the Clarke County School District on May 20. “Patrick has an amazing ability to multitask. Not only was Patrick leading the team as a captain and competing in the highest position on the team but he also was excelling academically,” varsity tennis coach Evan Adams said. “Never once did he complain. He set his sights on what he wanted and executed his plans flawlessly.” Photos from ODYSSEY archives, the 2024 Gladius Yearbook and @gladiator_tennis on Instagram
Allen’s accomplishments at CCHS extend beyond the classroom and into the extracurricular sphere. He was a varsity runner for the CCHS cross country team, which won a fourth consecutive Region 8-AAAAA championship, as well as the captain for the CCHS boys varsity tennis team that won a first region championship in over 35 years. He was also the Region 8-AAAAA boys varsity tennis player of the year.
“Patrick has an amazing ability to multitask. Not only was Patrick leading the team as a captain and competing in the highest position on the team but he also was excelling academically. Never once did he complain. He set his sights on what he wanted and executed his plans flawlessly,” varsity tennis coach Evan Adams said.
Clarke Central High School senior Caroline Orbock receives her early acceptance to the Georgia Institute of Technology on Dec. 8, 2023. Based on her dedication to her studies, Orbock will attend Georgia Tech in fall. “In addition to Caroline’s intellectual and creative talents, she stands out for the depth and quality of commitment she brings to her endeavors,” CCHS school counselor Heidi Nibbelink said. Photo by Aza Khan
Allen will remain in Athens and will attend the University of Georgia beginning in the fall and intends to major in Finance. CCHS principal Dr. Swade Huff has high praise and expectations for Allen.
“Our school community commends Patrick Allen as this year’s valedictorian for the graduating class,” Huff said. “His outstanding academic achievements and dedication to excellence have earned him many distinctions. The Central community looks forward to his continued success and global contributions.”
Senior Caroline Orbock was named salutatorian. Orbock has excelled in math and science, and co-founded an Aeronautics Club and put together a team to enter model rocket competitions. Additionally, Orbock engaged in an academic internship through the UGA Young Dawgs program in the university’s kinesiology department.
“In addition to Caroline’s intellectual and creative talents, she stands out for the depth and quality of commitment she brings to her endeavors,” CCHS school counselor Heidi Nibbelink said.
Clarke Central High School senior Caroline Orbock, a four-year varsity volleyball player, poses at the ODYSSEY Media Group’s Fall Media Day on October 11, 2023. Orbock was named the CCHS salutatorian by the Clarke County School District on May 20. “Being named salutatorian is an honor and is a culmination of all I’ve worked for academically in my four years at Clarke Central,” Orbock said. Photos from ODYSSEY Archives and the 2024 Gladius Yearbook
Orbock has also contributed to the CCHS extracurricular sphere through award-winning contributions to the iliad Literary-Art Magazine, the CCHS Puppetry Guild and varsity volleyball team, where she was a four-year member and co-captain her senior year.
“The Clarke Central school community isn’t surprised that Caroline is the salutatorian for the Class of 2024 because of the high standard she has set for herself and her peers during the past four years,” Huff said. “Caroline has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic focus and commitment to her education. We are proud of her achievements and excited to see what the future holds.”
For Orbock, who will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall, the honor was hard-earned and appreciated.
“Being named salutatorian is an honor and is a culmination of all I’ve worked for academically in my four years at Clarke Central,” Orbock said.
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